Preventing Blocked Drains in St. Kilda: 7 Tips for Homeowners

Blocked drains in St. Kilda can be a frustrating and unpleasant experience for any homeowner. Not only can they cause water to back up and flood your home, but they can also lead to costly repairs and damage to your property. This is why it’s important to take preventative measures to avoid blocked drains in your St. Kilda home. 

Here are 7 tips to help prevent blocked drains and keep your plumbing system in perfect condition.

Tips to Prevent Blocked Drains

1. Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Drain

Being mindful of what goes down the drain is one of the most important steps in preventing blocked drains. It’s easy to forget that our plumbing systems cannot handle certain items and that improperly disposing of them can cause significant damage. One should not dispose of food scraps, cooking oils, hair, and sanitary products down the drain.

To prevent blockages, make sure to dispose of these items properly. Use a sink strainer in your kitchen to catch food scraps and dispose of them in the bin. Avoid pouring cooking oils down the sink, as they can solidify and cause blockages. When it comes to the bathroom, make sure to dispose of sanitary products in the bin and regularly remove hair from the shower drain. 

2. Regularly Clean Your Drains

Regularly cleaning your drains is another crucial step in preventing blocked drains. Over time, debris such as food scraps, hair, and soap scum can build up in your pipes, causing blockages. It’s important to clean your drains regularly to prevent this from happening.

One simple way to clean your drains is to pour down boiling water. This can help flush out any debris that may have accumulated in the pipes. You can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar for more challenging blockages. Simply pour the mixture down the drain and let it sit for a few hours before flushing with hot water. The baking soda and vinegar will break down any grease or grime causing the blockage.

3. Install a Drain Strainer

Installing a drain strainer is another effective way to prevent drain clogging. Drain strainers are simple devices that catch hair and other debris before it enters the drain, preventing blockages from occurring.

Drain strainers are available for both sinks and showers, and they’re inexpensive and easy to install. Simply place the strainer over the drain and press down firmly to secure it in place. Be sure to empty the strainer regularly, as this will help prevent blockages from occurring.

In addition to preventing blockages, drain strainers can also help improve the overall cleanliness of your plumbing system. By catching hair and other debris before it enters the drain, you can reduce the build-up in your pipes, which can lead to foul odours and other issues.

4. Avoid Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

While chemical drain cleaners may seem like an easy solution for clearing blockages, they can do more harm than good. Chemical drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can damage your plumbing system over time. These chemicals can eat away at your pipes, causing them to corrode and weaken. Additionally, they can harm the environment and pose a risk to your health if they come into contact with your skin or are ingested.

Instead of relying on chemical drain cleaners, it’s best to use natural methods for clearing blockages. As mentioned earlier, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can effectively break down grease and grime in your pipes. You can also use a plumbing snake to remove stubborn blockages.

5. Schedule Regular Plumbing Maintenance

Scheduling regular plumbing maintenance is one of the best ways to prevent local blocked drains in St. Kilda and keep your plumbing system in top condition. A professional plumber can inspect your plumbing system for any signs of wear and tear and make any necessary repairs before they turn into larger and more expensive problems.

During a routine plumbing maintenance appointment, a plumber will check your pipes and drains for any signs of blockages or leaks. They may use special tools such as cameras and scopes to get a closer look at your plumbing system and will be able to identify any potential issues before they turn into major problems.

6. Don’t Flush Non-Flushable Items Down the Toilet

Another essential step in preventing blocked drains is to avoid flushing non-flushable items down the toilet. Items like baby wipes, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products can cause significant blockages in your plumbing system. Unlike toilet paper, these items are not designed to break down in the water and can cause significant damage to your pipes.

To prevent blockages, make sure to dispose of non-flushable items in the bin rather than flushing them down the toilet. This simple step can prevent costly repairs down the line and help keep your plumbing system in top condition.

7. Keep Grease & Oil Out of the Drains

As mentioned earlier, cooking oils can cause blockages in your drains. To prevent this, avoid pouring grease and oil down the sink. Instead, pour them into a container and dispose of them in the bin. You can also wipe down greasy pots and pans with a paper towel before washing them to prevent excess oil from entering the drain.

Conclusion

Preventing blocked drains in your St. Kilda home is all about being mindful of what goes down the drain, regularly cleaning your drains, and taking preventative measures such as installing drain strainers and avoiding chemical drain cleaners. By following these tips and scheduling regular plumbing maintenance, you can keep your plumbing system in top condition and avoid the headache and expense of blocked drains.

Contact experts at Doyle Plumbing Group today to get assistance on your plumbing system!